Letters (November 2009)
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Dear Editor
Following the article in last month’s Link, I would like to say how much I enjoyed working as Warden and then briefly as Manager at the Diocesan Retreat House, Shepherds Dene, for some 11 years. Although many people commented that it must be a lovely relaxing job, it was, at times, very stressful and always time-consuming. Memorable moments include staying up all night trying to prevent the boilers flooding and a wedding for a hundred in the garden with dancing until 3.00am. For all the stressful times, lack of family times and missed holidays, there were, of course, many compensations, with the companionship of the various staff and the gratitude, appreciation, wisdom and friendship of the guests of Shepherds Dene.
It is impossible to mention all those people that I will miss, and it was difficult not being able to let everyone know that I was leaving. Some folk might have thought I was leaving for another job, but it was with a heavy heart that I accepted a redundancy agreement as I found it impossible to work within the changed staffing structure.
I will always retain good memories of Shepherds Dene and I wish the Retreat House and all its future guests well.
Peter J Dodgson,
Hexham
To read the article about Peter Dodgson leaving Shepherds Dene, click here.
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